5 Tips for Better Saxophone Sound
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Күн бұрынIf you're just starting out on saxophone and your sound is a bit rubbish, then this video will help you improve, fast! Get my 5 tips for developing a killer sound on your saxophone in this lesson.
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IN THIS VIDEO:
After teaching more than 10,000 students through Sax School, I've seen the same 5 mistakes made time and again by new players. Do you make these saxophone sound mistakes too?
Understanding how to avoid this common mistakes will help you to build a much fuller and more confident tone on your saxophone.
For more help with your saxophone skills, be sure to download the free Saxophone Tool Kit lesson bundle (link above).
0:00 About this video
1:20 Reeds!
3:26 Mouthpiece!
4:45 Breathing!
6:01 Question
6:14 Mouthpiece Selection!
8:24 Embouchure
10:19 Wrapping up
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@smudar47 4 жыл бұрын
I am one of the thousands of sax school members. I've been studying since 2016.
@vasilijeglusica7472 3 жыл бұрын
My tone is always fuzzy and sounds like my saxophone is full of spit but sometimes i get lucky with reed. I'm trying really hard but its hardly changing. :(
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 3 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that. Two things to try - 1: swab out your sax during an after every session (including the neck and mouthpiece). 2: Experiment with a softer reed to see if this helps to clear up your sound. Hope this helps.
@BunyipnAbout 3 жыл бұрын
I’m a big L plate learner myself I feel you’re thoughts
@dennyanddeanne 3 жыл бұрын
same with me!!
@crazydwarfhalo Ай бұрын
I just had the same problem. My sax teacher told me the reed maybe thinning or is soft and you may need a new reed or a harder reed.
@jeffarcher400 4 жыл бұрын
Great tips. When I started I would find isolated practice places where no one need suffer through squeaks, long tones and mistakes. Freedom from judgement makes for relaxed playing. I found that sitting in the passenger seat of my car was comfy. Some dashboards hold music well, others I can open the glove compartment and sit music on the open door. Each car has different acoustics. Old Japanese car is a resonator, new BMW is a sound cocoon. Now I love playing, just not in public. Working on that. Got issues with being in tune and transposing to play with others. Also getting left thumb octave pain. Have slow key around b flat. Going low to high it hangs on fast passages. I have been lubricating and cleaning pivots which helps for a while, then problem returns. Tech said it works for him. It's in tune for him also, ha,ha. Yas-52. Thanks for the website 👍.
@fredthompson8377 4 жыл бұрын
So glad I ran across your school a couple of months ago. All of your tips and videos are so helpful. I have just finished the starter pathway, learning to read music, and everything else . So my issues are still many . Something I have noticed is sometimes a lack of concentration on the notes during a playback with the backing track. Actually what is helping is playing along with your sax and backing track. Anyway, thanks for all of this. Looking forward to this journey.
@Jerfish1 Жыл бұрын
I’m just over two weeks in, my in person instructor put me to a 2.5 from 2 and said ‘we will get you on a 3 right away soon’. This seemed the opposite of everything I’ve been hearing from online and other sources (such as this video). I think I’ll just stick with the 2.5, I seem to be able to handle it so far. I’d say the low C and D are the hardest for me to get right consistently - I get a ‘wawawawa’ especially with the C not infrequently, or the C/D and occasionally the E will jump to the second octave - do a quick tongue flick and relax the embouchure and it corrects the second octave issue, but the wawawawa C seems to perplex me a bit still (happens probably 50% of the time when going to the C on a note change)
@McGillMusicSaxSchool Жыл бұрын
The is is super common and could be a couple things. First experiment with how much mouthpiece you are using. Second, it’s important to keep your tongue low in your mouth for those low notes. And finally if you’re still struggling, get your sax checked over by a repairer - it could have a leak which is easy and inexpensive to fix (and really common). Good luck.
@Jerfish1 Жыл бұрын
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thanks! I thought it was hard on the alto on the low notes - I have now changed to Tenor lol. It’s 100% me, thanks for the info on the tongue position - opening up like that helped for sure!
@directcurrent5751 6 ай бұрын
I played cornet in college. Quit. 40 years later im picking up the tenor saxophone. My local store recommended the Rico 2.5 because the teacher thought someone that played a trumpet years ago could develop embouchure strength faster. If I try anything, it will be 2.0 reeds in a few months to see if i can get a little more consistent tone .
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 6 ай бұрын
Good plan. Thanks for watching.
@richandrews7 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making all this sax wisdom available!
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome Rich. Thanks for watching!
@melanierees6669 2 жыл бұрын
I will certainly check the 5 things you mention. I lose my confidence with my tenor saxophone because sometimes it just won't play certain notes. These may change. I couldn't play anything right during the first half of our last gig. I kept changing the reed and mouthpiece around as sometimes this helps. But it was very embarrassing. Then the second half went perfectly. Thank goodness! But its the uncertainty of whether its going to play or not that's getting to me. I'm sure its all my fault. I'm not necessarily blaming the saxophone! I'd be grateful for your advice. Thanks.
@joshcharlat850 4 жыл бұрын
Since you asked... I've played tenor off and on for years. However over the last three years I'm more informed and a bit more serious. I still feel like an advanced beginner because it serms obvious when compared to real players...semi pros et cetera. Anyway, I have trouble with the palm keys. It feels like a strain and awkard struggle. I know I'm supposed to avoid tension and have good hands and finged to er positioning. Those palm keys are tough for me. My tone and range is improving so those palm keys I need to manage better.
@berniefranckel3949 4 жыл бұрын
Great video on five tips. I wish I'd listened to something like this right at the beginning. I've managed to work out all five tips but it's taken me a few years. The reed strength tip took me the longest to figure out. I don't know when and were I'd got the impression but I thought starting on strength 3 was the way to go. I eventually decided to go to a 2 and it made such a difference, although as my playing progressed and I needed both the highest and lowest notes in the range I had a hunch that I needed a bit more support from the reed. Tried a 3 again but a 2.5 seems to be the sweet spot for me. My current challenge is figuring out relative pitch so I can better understand how best to improvise off a melody.
@anointedminstreltv8881 2 жыл бұрын
Well done tutor I am new on sax and battling with some issues like breath control, learning to play faster arpeggio and dynamics thanks sir.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped you. Lots more free lessons to help with finger speed and tone here: saxschoolonline.com/courses
@peterjonstefan2926 4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic Nigel thanks!!!! This is very helpful to me, in fact I’m even struggling on how to manage holding my tenor properly I’m sure you have a video on this I’ll just have to find it in the course which I enrolled in but haven’t started yet.
@historygames0133 2 жыл бұрын
I dont know either I see other students that play the tenor lean forward in their chair with tenor at your side and down really low. I prefer standing up and playing like i am in marching band or just have it at my side.
@michaelwarren5682 3 жыл бұрын
Nigel thank you for the tips and other great videos. One of my challenges is going from the high range to a lower range. Sometimes it stays high when I release the octave key. Sometimes it speaks. Any tips for this?
@brunomeneses3254 4 жыл бұрын
Great video! I am working hard on my articulation. Any tips?
@robstevens9590 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Nigel! Thanks for posting this. I had just finished practicing "Stardust" then I turned on this clip! My biggest difficulty (beside finding enough time to practice) is finding the reeds that produce the sound I want and have some longevity, but are not overly taxing on my embouchure (-- tough combination.)
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Aaaahh, that’s a never ending struggle for us sax players Rob! I definitely find it easier now I only play Legere reeds. No adjusting or fiddling means more practice time! Glad you enjoyed the video.
@robstevens9590 4 жыл бұрын
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I tried Legere Signature 2.5 and 2, and although they produce a nice tone, they were too rigid to produce subtones (which I use a lot) and a bit hard on my embouchure. I tried a softer Studio-cut, but wasn't happy with the tone. I'm still hoping to find the ideal synthetic reed, but until then I will keep working on various cane reeds.
@saxophonelavanya2064 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Sir.🙏
@rafihume5319 2 жыл бұрын
This is an awesome video! Whenever I play, I never really get a clear, smooth sound. How can I get a better sound? I also struggle to get the high notes, should I move up to a 2.5 reed? I was previously on a 2.
@benjaminthurston8284 4 жыл бұрын
Great Video by the way!
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@ralfputz6076 9 ай бұрын
I struggle with playing in tune as you described and use a 1.5 reed on an alto sax. I’ve been playing for a couple of months and have tried most things from experimenting with my embouchure while holding a note to get the green on my tuner. It seems to be hit and miss so I might try a 2.0 reed and see. Love your explanations.
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
Great tips Nigel, oh yeah Sax School is awesome!!! I’ve been playing sax for a while and 2.5 is my sweet spot when it comes to reeds. Keeping the horn full of air takes practice. I used to struggle with my low notes but consistent practice of long tones has got the job done. Yes, I hated playing those long tones but now I make them fun now I can hit my high F, and F sharp without sliding up to them.🇯🇲🎷🎷👍🔥🔥🤜🏾🤛🏾
@shanaypringle9741 4 жыл бұрын
Kadrian Thomas I agree with you. If you want to improve your sound you have to be consistent.
@saxbuddy1527 4 жыл бұрын
Those long notes can be boring but they work.
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
Shanay Pringle oh yeah, I used to play haphazardly in the past and I wasn’t growing. Then I took things seriously and my sound has improved exponentially.
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
Sax Buddy indeed, like Nigel said it’s easy to skip over the fundamentals of playing long tones but those are what set you up for sounding great on the horn.
@saxbuddy1527 4 жыл бұрын
@@KadrianThomas true, using the right reed is very important. What been reeds do you use bro?
@danielstainier793 Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much
@onyekaamara7088 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this great video. My sound seem to be breaking along musical lines, what can I do to correct it?
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 2 жыл бұрын
Good question - often this is just because you need to blow your air right through the lines to connect them up more. Spend a bit of time on slow melodies to fix this Onyeka.
@guydelorme417 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, I have a question about upper denture in the mouth. Does it change the sound, after all you have plastic on the palate. If so, what is your suggestion?
@kingatripea541 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Nigel! I am a flute player but I decided to learn the alto sax, I would like to improve my tone, I sound a bit flat on the saxophone and my sound is not a fluent harmonious.What could I do to sound better?Thank you!
@VideoNash 2 жыл бұрын
thanks
@shawn-egri 9 ай бұрын
Hi Nigel, thank you for the wonderful video. I am having difficulty with the breathing section that you highlight in this video. My sound doesn't sound full, and as a result I don't think I have as good flow when I am playing a song. Do you have another video in your series of videos that addresses this point a little more in depth? Thanks again!!!!!
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 9 ай бұрын
Hi. It could be your breathing but could also be your reed strength. Email me for more help here: support@saxschoolonline.com
@d.bstachow3558 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Nigel, I have trouble reaching the low notes on my soprano sax. I'm a beginner, with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, and a 1.5 cheaper reed. I'm used to playing brass instruments. I can hit the high notes pretty well on the soprano, but once I take my hand off the octave key, past G, it's bubbles and squeaks a lot.
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
Brian Stachow the best way to get out your low notes is by consistently playing long tones, all you need is 5 minutes each day. Set a timer for five minutes, set your metronome to 60 bpm, blow each note for 4 or 8 beats and move down the horn chromatically. Start at the note where you squeak and keep descending. In order not to overwhelm yourself, choose three to five notes eg. C,B,Bb, A,G without the octave key. Do this everyday for a week then a month and keep going down on your horn until you can play the lowest note on your sax. 🎷🎷🎷🔥🔥🤜🏾🤛🏾
@Baffers1001 2 жыл бұрын
Great video. I'm happy with my sound but I find the top C sounds quite tight and thin. I can do the c major and c blues scale over two octaves but literally I hit the top and the sound just sounds..yuk. almost certainly me tightening up I think.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 2 жыл бұрын
Could be. As your mouth muscles get stronger though your sound will improve on those high notes.
@bcampbell4378 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Nigel! Great video... I used to play alto sax in my primary school band, and have just picked it up again after 13 years, and am having a lot of trouble playing low D (my sax wants to play high D), and when I try and play high D, another sound altogether comes out! Just wondering if this is a common problem for beginners, or maybe because I've jumped straight on to the left over 2.5 reeds I had from school?
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Hi, yes a common issue really and could be a few different causes. You could experiment with a slightly softer reed. Definitely spend plenty of time on your embouchure to get back into shape. But it could also be a slight leak on your sax - generally a super easy and cheap fix. Good luck I hope you get it sorted.
@luispedroreyna5217 4 жыл бұрын
I saw in another video that evey note has to start with the tongue. However, when I tried it, I could hear how there was saliva in the mouthpiece. How can I fix this? Is there a specific technique to do it so that saliva doesn't affect the sound?
@drkbala2009 3 жыл бұрын
I have purchased YAS280 one week back. Can you please tell how and where to place the reed ?
@joshua8494 4 жыл бұрын
i got a problem with getting the out lower note with alto saxophone. and im using a ddadario select jazz marble mouthpiece, is it ok for beginer?
@stevehenry9826 4 жыл бұрын
Excellent video Nigel! I am struggling playing the high E on my Alto. No trouble hitting the note it's just when I play it, it sounds week and thin. I just switched over to a 3 1/2 Reed a month ago. Maybe I'll go back to a 2 1/2 like you suggested. Thanks Nigel?
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
Steve Henry check my comment above under Brian Stachow comment and replicate what I suggested, ascend instead of descending.
@stevehenry9826 4 жыл бұрын
Ok thank you
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
Steve Henry my absolute pleasure. 🎷👍🔥🔥🤜🏾🤛🏾
@longlivetheking6 Жыл бұрын
hey Mcgill, ive been playing for a while now but I've been finding myself making a real airy sound when playing not loud. it doesn't happen all the time but when it does I don't know why.
@danielknox9908 Жыл бұрын
Professional sound
@davidudall1706 4 жыл бұрын
true good advice
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Cheers David. Thanks for watching.
@davidudall1706 4 жыл бұрын
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thanks for replying
@Kristian-Benton 3 жыл бұрын
Hardest part has been learning to read music, especially when you hear another song in it and just want to take off on that. 😂 Breathing is also taking a bit work, timing wise.
@BunyipnAbout 3 жыл бұрын
I’m right there with you, reading music is totaly hard no doubt, the breathing well I’m not doing that well.
@theseventhson8896 2 жыл бұрын
Can you give as short licks with their solfège to rehearse with please
@isaaconi56 4 жыл бұрын
Having difficulty knowing they right size of Reed. I got a curved soprano started with a 2.5 but having difficulty with palm keys over D# and from F and E and my altissimo so I went down to 2 and then to 1.5. Other than that my sounds good while playing any tips or advices. Do I need another mouthpiece still using what came with the sax.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Isaac. Higher notes on soprano are more tricky. Most people would struggle to get them out on a really soft reed but I think if you concentrate on building your tone in the middle register first, the high notes will come as your embouchure gets stronger. I don’t know which mouthpiece you have, but something like a Yamaha 4c or Selmer D mouthpiece is a good starting point as you build your skills. Good luck!
@isaaconi56 4 жыл бұрын
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thanks for the tips. Really appreciate it I'll work towards getting one of those mouthpieces for starters
@russellede4848 4 жыл бұрын
Biggest problem I have is squeaks and whistles, especially when transitioning to a high note, I have been adjusting the depth of the mouthpiece in my mouth, but don’t seem able to fix it.
@lindseygohd9428 2 жыл бұрын
Any tips on learning how to growl? Also practicing slurring into notes making them less staccato
@chrismoeser923 2 жыл бұрын
I struggle with getting a consistent cl ear tone. Sometimes it seems to be with changing to specific notes.
@granttucker8451 2 жыл бұрын
I am starting out, and I have noticed my thumbs really ache after 30 mins, I find it hard to dismantle the sax after playing as they are so sore. This is because you mentioned to let you know what I struggle with
@rinozaurrini359 4 жыл бұрын
Wat about meyer m6 new York I played with selmer for a long time
@americanatheart110 3 жыл бұрын
Alto Sax. Ur great instructor. Want to play Some Hollywood and Bollywood songs just for fun.
@DynamixWarePro 4 жыл бұрын
I have only 3 main issues when playing my Yamaha YAS-280 alto: I often get a fuzzy/gurgle sound when playing a high A. Sometimes I get a warble playing middle C. I can get nearly all my middle/low notes in tune but I always find my low D comes out a bit flat compared to other low notes.
@aidan4473 3 жыл бұрын
I have a YTS-480 Tenor sax and I have the same issue with the high a. Maybe it’s an issue with how Yamaha instruments are made!
@DynamixWarePro 3 жыл бұрын
@@aidan4473 I am not sure but what I think my issue is partly to do with moisture build up in the neck/body octave pip as when I clean out the neck, I have less off an issue with a gurgle tin type sound. I haven't noticed it yet with my new Yanagisawa AWO2 but I have only had it a week and haven't played it enough to know if it becomes an issue or not on it. I also found this video that helps from Robert Young on the A fuzz issue: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gJponK2Xm9WVpWw.html
@ekaufman4800 2 жыл бұрын
I have intermittent problems with my high A on my Yani Alto. Sounds like a weird overtone
@jeffarcher400 2 жыл бұрын
I'm struggling with the notes above D. I have three altos. The yas23 all notes are there but need practice. The cannonball is hit or miss and the yas-62 is worse. All three have been to the shop and they said they had everything fixed and played for them. Tried switching mouthpieces and had limited success. I've tried staying relaxed,wind support, playing the lower octave then the problem note and all help but it's not consistent. The shop wanted me to play the good alto in front of them and under pressure I failed even at that so they must think I am clueless. My tenor yas23 is fine and it's easy as any other notes. I wish this suffering was silent 😭. Help me obi wan.
@niistephen4912 4 жыл бұрын
I have problem on my mouthpiece positioning and also do not get clear sound for lower C and C#
@olusiisaiah1120 4 жыл бұрын
My name z Isaiah, some of the problem I have are :breath control, fame fingers,how to place mouth on d reed
@stevemaciejewski1080 4 жыл бұрын
I struggle with tone and playing in tune especially on G. Upper register is h as rder than lower register. Could it be the horn or mouthpiece,?
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Steve, this could be because of the mouthpiece and reed combo but the first step is to spend plenty of time building your embouchure strength with slow melodies and long tones. Good warmup exercises really help with this, especially if you use your tuner too.
@bradw.1945 2 жыл бұрын
Toughest part for my sound is not owning a sax. I will have to work on that. All joking aside, if I want to start playing sax, will wearing a partial denture effect the ability to play?
@larryhill5332 3 жыл бұрын
I really like and want to learn to play slow melodies!
@jazzyjag1989 4 жыл бұрын
Nigel, thankyou for a very informative video. I've just started back playing after an absence of about 30 yrs. I'm finding that I get fatigued (embouchure) when practicing for about an hour per day. When this happens, I tend loose control of the notes I'm playing. Thanks again
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
jazzyjag1989 think of your embouchure like your legs, if you work them to a certain point they will get tired and sore. To go beyond an hour without getting sore and losing control will take practice. So after you’ve practiced for 20 minutes to half an hour give yourself a 5-10 minutes break. Stretch, walk away from the horn, drink water etc then return. After an hour do the same. If you usually find that your cut off is at 60 minutes, the next day move incrementally by practicing for 65 minutes and keep going up in increments of 5-10 minutes over days weeks etc. Going up in small increments will allow your embouchure to get stronger to hold the strain for longer periods of time. After a while 1 hour will feel like a breeze. 🎷🔥🔥🤜🏾🤛🏾
@jazzyjag1989 4 жыл бұрын
Kadrian, thanks for your reply. I'll give your suggestion a try starting to day...tough getting back! But, it's all good!
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
jazzyjag1989 my pleasure, yeah I know it’s tough but you’ll do great man, just start and be patient with yourself in the process.
@derekakien7379 4 жыл бұрын
Same here. You don't pick up where you left off, unfortunately. Easier than starting from scratch though.
@KadrianThomas 4 жыл бұрын
Derek Akien that’s true if practice is inconsistent. When done consistently over a long periods of time it will become easier to practice for longer. I love quote, “success is never owned, it is rented and the rent is due everyday.”
@ntimo18 Жыл бұрын
Hi Nigel I get a lot of squeeking when playing . I always stop and reset when It happens. I find the A &B notes to be quite difficult to hold the low note. I am only recently really starting to practise daily ,I have been playing a bunch of long notes to videos of scales slowed down to make sure I'm in tune. Do these squeeks start to go away the more I play. I'm sure they will. All the best nick
@McGillMusicSaxSchool Жыл бұрын
Hi Nick. Sorry to hear that - check your embouchure and make sure your bottom teeth aren’t touching the reed. You can also check you aren’t using too much mouthpiece. A little less might do the trick. Good luck!
@benjaminthurston8284 4 жыл бұрын
You can also work on reeds to make them softer right?
@eijsbrand 4 жыл бұрын
Watch Bob Reynolds prepare his new reeds. On YT !
@gangofgreenhorns2672 4 жыл бұрын
When to breathe in. Toughest thing for me to learn is when is the best time to sneak in a breath if I'm playing a lot. Need to get a better rhythm to it, or something.
@abaz6955 4 жыл бұрын
At the end of a phrase, or shortening a minim to breathe without getting late or something in the middle of a phrase if it's too long.
@rolandcox2278 Жыл бұрын
Definitely embochure!
@eduardosalazar1822 4 жыл бұрын
I would like to improve my consistent vibrato
@wastingmoney359 Жыл бұрын
The only thing is when I try to play the A the high one I need help with that
@jurandirjorge7635 4 жыл бұрын
Há apostila ou exercicios em ingles
@jurandirjorge7635 4 жыл бұрын
As aulas são traduzidas para portugues ou espanhol?
@PedroSilvanoGunther 4 жыл бұрын
JURANDIR JORGE Infelizmente não. Nesse mundo da música, como em qualquer outra área do conhecimento, entender o inglês ajuda muito. Transformou-se numa língua universal. Além de aprender música e saxofone, ainda precisamos aprender inglês. Não necessário, mas recomendável.
@SHaKeRuk 4 жыл бұрын
As a beginner, I start blowing and there's no sound initially. This results in wasted air and I don't have enough air in my lungs for long notes. Thanks for the time and the free advice you give.
@apuchi4008 4 жыл бұрын
Try to have a fast air from the beginning. You’ll need faster air for lower and higher notes (I think).
@junarbinag3617 3 ай бұрын
I have been a saxophonist since i was 12 now im 13 Idk how to improve the sound of my alto, cause everytime i look in youtube theres sound so good but mine doesn't i wanna learn how to express the sound of the alto saxo correctly but i dont know what to improve
@Lyn-ze4xb 2 жыл бұрын
my sax always seems to sound loud and forced and i want to try and get it to sound smooth, not sure what to do.
@thatllbetheray 3 жыл бұрын
I’d say the nasally sound around my tenor’s middle C. I get a nice round sound going down and going up. But those middle tones...nasal. I’m trying to even them out to match the roundness elsewhere. Haven’t cracked the recipe.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 3 жыл бұрын
That’s interesting - what sax and mouthpiece are you using?
@cristiandelcid1791 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Nigel, I have a couple of things that are hard for me with a tenor saxophone, 1. get the right reeds, not the size I use 2 1/2, is more about get some that really sound good. 2. Embouchure, some times is hard to get a good E, D and C in the low range and G in the high (octave) and keep a good sound. I will thank you for any advice you can share.
@aidan4473 3 жыл бұрын
The high G issue is a thing that happens on most tenors, lots of people have it. At least that’s what I was told by a teacher
@antungrgic7685 2 жыл бұрын
Hi, can you tell me for how much money i can buy some good saxophone not very expensive. Thanks for the educations!
@Lfunk1983 2 жыл бұрын
Hey I would look for a used Yamaha, especially the old ones made in Japan. Get it set up by a tech as well
@lilamorgan6420 3 жыл бұрын
am finding it difficult to play
@Jerome616 2 жыл бұрын
I had zero guidance while learning sax as a teen, so I just naturally assumed all professionals use the higher numbered reeds. Went ask the way up to a the and a half over the years not realizing a two or two and a half were probably fine. 🙄
@TwinFun0327 4 жыл бұрын
I started on a Rico 2.5 and I am definitely staying on Vandoren Blue Box 3s! There great!
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Cool. I like the good old faithful Blue Box Vandorens too!
@alanfloyd3205 4 жыл бұрын
I have a problem when slurring from say high b to middle d. I get an unwanted overtone. I have to tongue it to make sure it sounds a d. Very frustrating!
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Alan. This is a really common problem on sax. As long as your fingers are all moving together, the problem can be sorted by spending some time working on your tone for the middle D, then gradually building confidence going C to D, then B to D. You’ll get there, but take your time!
@alanfloyd3205 4 жыл бұрын
McGill Music Sax School thanks!
@glendaajavon295 2 жыл бұрын
But your tips are great
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks.
@JorgeL721 2 жыл бұрын
I struggle with improvising jazz, it's such a foreign concept. I have over 10 years with the sax and not concerned with my timbre, though I'm also struggling to find that growly jazz sound too. Maybe I should look into a different mouthpiece.
@nic8060 2 жыл бұрын
My neighbours are a bit funny and can’t always practice everyday … can I practice my Embouchure with out playing ? With it not attached ??? X.
@gagikavoyan4594 2 жыл бұрын
This is my second day on alto saxophone, and I’m struggling with fingers. And waterer fingeri press it does not make much difference.
@MalachiKanu 10 ай бұрын
I'm a beginner player and with sound and fingerings and how to practice
@broderickhigby9751 4 жыл бұрын
It feels like air is just going through the sax, and it’s not turning into sound. It sounds like that could be mouthpiece placement or reed selection.
@TenorWomyn Жыл бұрын
I struggle with low notes and the very high notes. Also, reed placement.
@AkiTheRandomArtist 3 жыл бұрын
I am really struggling with moving my fingers fast enough, any tips to help me out?
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 3 жыл бұрын
Great question. Faster fingers starts with keeping your fingers closer to the keys. Check out this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o5-RZ7p5t9fFemg.html
@AkiTheRandomArtist 3 жыл бұрын
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thank you! I'll be sure to check the video out when I have time!
@yinon420 4 жыл бұрын
i'm plaing for a year now and i think that i need to rise my reed to a 2 or 2.5 buy i'll still need practice
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Good idea, most players settle on a 2 or 2.5 reed.
@allenthomas4331 2 жыл бұрын
I'm struggling with getting started again, it's hard finding a place to practice without interruptions
@northstarsigns3692 3 жыл бұрын
Timing... Timing... Timing... It may sound simple, but so many including myself struggles with timing. Please ad an in depth lesson with tips and tricks and lessons to keep us timing impaired back on time.... Please!
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 3 жыл бұрын
Good question and a common problem. Here are two videos to check out: How to improve your Timing with Nigel Hitchcock: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qrxjjdSYzJeWe4k.html. And Tips for "Feeling the Beat": kzfaq.info/get/bejne/er-apLuoqq23maM.html. Hope these help you.
@northstarsigns3692 3 жыл бұрын
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thank you Nigel, I saw the 2nd one about playing to the beat, Not the 1st one. I couldn't find the rhythm and skills section in Sax School Could you send me the direct link? You should have a pathway dedicated soley on rhythm and timing.... Just my opinion... Thx!
@kennysax4908 2 жыл бұрын
My saxophone is not bringing out darker sound what can I do to it
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 2 жыл бұрын
First step is to try some different brand / strength reeds. Next is explore some other mouthpieces. Lots of mouthpiece info on my channel and blog. Hope it helps you.
@muslimalmuslim3399 2 жыл бұрын
I struggle the most with tone and biting lips and tonguing
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 2 жыл бұрын
Good to try and avoid biting. Always take a break if your mouth is feeling tired. Also try to think of a more round shape with your embouchure - that will help you. Have fun.
@tracesdaniells9677 2 жыл бұрын
squeking when going low to high or high to low. Thats what I'm struggling with.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 2 жыл бұрын
OK, could be a few causes with this, but most commonly it's your mouth position. Also check out this video:kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qdSWisKcp9fThWQ.html
@tonycaluian 3 ай бұрын
I'm struggling with mouth position and the saxophone's sound. I tried multiple methods but none of them worked.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 3 ай бұрын
Sorry to hear that. Check out this lesson - this will help: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mtuAn6R4u6iqc3U.htmlsi=pFvV4ye904pt_o1M
@Kralycek1 4 жыл бұрын
I started 6 weeks ago And I am still not able to breathe. Even in very short exercises.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
It will get easier, the best thing to do is to try and practice nice gentle long notes with a metronome and aim for a little longer each day. Slow melodies really help with this too.
@gregorygordon9107 3 жыл бұрын
Everything
@geneavery9249 4 жыл бұрын
i go sharp in the upper-register
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
This is a really common issue Gene. Do you practice much with a tuner? I have found working on intervals with my tuner really helps to beat those sharp high notes.
@glendaajavon295 2 жыл бұрын
Am a beginner, please teach me
@ayodejiawolowo8516 2 жыл бұрын
One of my problem is playing high notes
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 2 жыл бұрын
That is a challenge for loads of players - build up your embouchure strength to help with this. Long tones and quiet playing. You’ll get there!
@nnamdichukwuemeka7460 2 жыл бұрын
Am really struggling with my sound😩🙏
@pandagurl8253 3 жыл бұрын
My tone
@barbarahubers-drake6222 4 жыл бұрын
Articulation and vibrato are my struggles.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Barbara. What do you do to work on these things?
@barbarahubers-drake6222 4 жыл бұрын
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I have been playing scales articulating the upbeats, finding ways to bend notes in articulation, listening to other players and trying to copy their sound, etc. I am trying to relearn vibrato to move from a throat vibrato to a doy-oy-oy-oy vibrato but it's slow for me. I learned wrong many years ago.
@hermeshiaprice8137 2 жыл бұрын
My endurance is pretty bad for me to be in marching band :(
@kutharirana2543 Жыл бұрын
Haw mach secxhofhn..?
@richardtull2255 2 жыл бұрын
Breathing
@junarbinag3617 3 ай бұрын
Does a dent on top of the mouth peice make the sound of the saxo sound bad
@Wale_Jazz266 Жыл бұрын
I struggle with the position of my fingers and my tone.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool Жыл бұрын
That’s a common struggle. But….it can be fixed if you work on the right things. Lots of exercises to help you in Sax School or check out my free Tool Kit lesson bundle as a good starting point: saxschoolonline.com/courses/
@johnnysanchez2848 Жыл бұрын
Low c# big problem
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